U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez, commenting on recent contract ratifications by members of United Auto Workers, called collective bargaining “one of our most powerful forces for upward mobility and economic security.”

The contract ratification votes with Ford and GM “demonstrate once again that collective bargaining is essential to a balanced economy,” Perez wrote in a column in the Detroit Free Press. “It is a textbook case of shared sacrifice leading to shared prosperity. And it is a triumph of collective bargaining, one of our most powerful forces for upward mobility and economic security.”

Because unions are able to bargain collectively, “Hard work is rewarded,” he wrote. “Everyone has a chance to succeed. Workers, companies, shareholders and communities all benefit.”

Secretary Perez’s strong public support for collective bargaining is a welcome at a time when powerful forces are at work right now trying to undermine unions in order to diminish the power of all workers, public and private. It’s good to have a champion at the federal level who understands the importance of unions.

AFSCME is the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO. Our 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.